BATH, Maine – On Saturday, Oct. 2, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works christened the U.S. Navy’s newest guided missile destroyer, the future USS Carl M. Levin (DDG 120). The ship is named for Sen. Carl Levin, who was Michigan’s longest-serving U.S. senator and who, through his leadership role on the Senate Armed Services Committee, shepherded the National Defense Authorization Act through Congress 16 times.
The Saturday morning christening ceremony took place at Bath Iron Works’ shipyard. Speakers included Gov. Janet Mills, Sen. Susan Collins, Sen. Angus King, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and principal speaker Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, a longtime friend and colleague of Levin’s who is now chairman of the Armed Services Committee. Also addressing the event guests and the crew of DDG 120 were Michigan Rep. Andy Levin, former Michigan Rep. Sander Levin and Admiral William Lescher, Vice Chief of Naval Operations. Sen. Levin’s daughters Kate Levin Markel, Laura Levin and Erica Levin were the ship sponsors who officially christened the ship by breaking bottles of sparkling wine against its bow.
“Chairman Levin led by example and always strived to do the right thing, even if it wasn’t the easy thing – always,” Sen. Reed said in his remarks. “Like this ship, Senator Levin was an unyielding force for peace, freedom, and our shared American values.”
Dirk Lesko, president of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, said Sen. Levin “showed that each of us, through principled commitment, diligent effort and steadfast perseverance, has the capacity to contribute great things to this nation.”
More information about General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), can be found at www.gdbiw.com.
